The Seven Texas Constitutional Amendments You Need to Know About

The Legislative Reference Library website breaks down the proposed seven constitutional amendments that you will see on your ballot this Election Day.

From the Legislative Reference Library:

On November 7, 2017, voters will have a chance to consider seven constitutional amendments proposed by the 85th Legislature. The proposed amendments cover a wide range of topics, including property taxes, raffles, home equity loan provisions, and more.

Amendments Proposed for the November 7, 2017 ballot by the 85th Legislature

HJR 21 Proposition 1 | The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran if the residence homestead was donated to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization for less than the market value of the residence homestead and harmonizing certain related provisions of the Texas Constitution.

SJR 60 Proposition 2 | The constitutional amendment to establish a lower amount for expenses that can be charged to a borrower and removing certain financing expense limitations for a home equity loan, establishing certain authorized lenders to make a home equity loan, changing certain options for the refinancing of home equity loans, changing the threshold for an advance of a home equity line of credit, and allowing home equity loans on agricultural homesteads.

SJR 34 Proposition 3 | The constitutional amendment limiting the service of certain officeholders appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate after the expiration of the person’s term of office.

SJR 6 Proposition 4 | The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to require a court to provide notice to the attorney general of a challenge to the constitutionality of a state statute and authorizing the legislature to prescribe a waiting period before the court may enter a judgment holding the statute unconstitutional.

SJR 1 Proposition 6 | The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a first responder who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.

While, NFIB/Texas did not support or oppose any of these amendments because of membership votes and input, we did want to provide a resource guide for you the #SmallBizVoter. For even more information on these propositions and for better informed voting we recommend reading the Texas State House of Representatives report here.